Gerhard Wessels might not play rugby again after undergoing a shoulder operation this week.

The 36-year-old centre dislocated it during Shelford’s 42-6 defeat at National League Three London & SE leaders Hertford, rupturing the joint in the process.

And director of rugby Dick Matthews know the South African will leave a huge void.

“Losing Gerhard last weekend was a real blow and it was a really upsetting injury,” said Matthews. “He’s had an operation and I don’t think he will play again.

“He’s played at Shelford and at Cambridge, and he was first choice for the Army for many, many years.

“We’ve got a big hole to fill and we’ve still got some other injuries.”

Chris Craig also sustained a bad injury at Hertford, damaging his medial cruciate ligament. The extent of the problem should be better known in a couple of weeks once the swelling goes down.

There could be some good news for Shelford, however, as player-coach Will Lawson, who has only played once this season, will undergo a late fitness test ahead of tomorrow’s home match against Southend Saxons.

The visitors have won three matches on the trot and are three places above Shelford in the table.

“We’re expecting a hard game and hopefully we can play as well as we did in the first half an hour last Saturday,” said Matthews.

“Southend had a good win last weekend (34-12 over Guernsey) and we’re looking forward to the fixture.”